Struggling at work? Funded support for Autistic and ADHD adults through the Employment Assistance Fund
If you're Autistic or ADHD and work is feeling harder than it should, there may be government funding for 1:1 support, at no cost to you up to the funding cap*.
Workplaces are mostly built around one way of thinking, communicating and processing the world. Unclear instructions, noisy open-plan offices, shifting priorities and the constant effort of masking all add up. Over time, that can show up as exhaustion, misunderstandings with managers, or burnout.
Until recently, I didn't know this funding existed either. So I want to make sure more of our community does*
What is Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
The Employment Assistance Fund is an Australian Government program, administered by JobAccess, that funds work-related support for people with disability. That includes up to $1,770.44 (incl. GST) every 12 months for individual specialist support.
It's not the same as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the short-term counselling service some employers offer. The EAF is a separate government fund, and it's focused on the workplace.
The EAF can also fund other things, like workplace modifications, equipment, and Disability Awareness Training for a whole team. Employers apply for that training separately, and it has its own funding cap.
Who may be eligible
You may be eligible if you:
are an Australian resident
work at least 8 hours a week, in a job expected to last at least 13 weeks (self-employed people can apply too, if you've worked 8+ hours a week for the last 13 weeks and earn at least the minimum wage)
have a disability that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 2 years and affects your work
aren't already getting the same support through another government program, such as the NDIS
JobAccess makes the final decision on eligibility. You'll need evidence of your disability, such as a letter from your GP, a report from an allied health professional, or a specialist report.
What 1:1 workplace support can look like
Support is shaped around you, your role and what's getting in the way. It's designed to help you explore what's happening at work and what might make it more workable. Depending on your needs, sessions may include:
exploring how your neurotype shows up in your role
identifying practical workplace adjustments, and how to ask for them
executive functioning strategies for planning, prioritising and managing workload
navigating communication differences with managers and colleagues
recognising signs of burnout and planning supports around them
thinking through whether, when and how to disclose at work
I'm a Registered Occupational Therapist and a proud AuDHDer. Sessions are available in person in Bundaberg or via telehealth.
How to apply, and what it costs
You apply directly to JobAccess, and your application must be approved before support starts. No referral is needed.
Get in touch with me for a quote for your EAF support package.
Gather your evidence: proof of your disability (a GP letter is fine) and proof you're employed, such as a payslip.
Apply to JobAccess online or by phone on 1800 464 800, including my quote.
Once you're approved, we book your sessions.
You pay for sessions, then send the invoice and proof of payment to JobAccess to be reimbursed. Check the timeframe for claims in your approval, as late claims may not be paid.
My EAF package is priced within the funding cap, so once you're approved there's no gap payment. Funding and eligibility are decided by JobAccess.
Common questions
Does my employer need to know? No. For 1:1 support, you can apply yourself without involving your employer. You only need evidence that you're employed. If you later want help with adjustments or disclosure, we can work through that together at your pace.
Do I need a formal diagnosis? You need evidence of a disability that affects your work. A letter from your GP confirming your diagnosis and how it affects your work is accepted. JobAccess decides what evidence is enough.
I'm self-employed. Can I apply? Yes, if you've worked at least 8 hours a week for the last 13 weeks and earn at least the minimum wage.
I have NDIS funding. Can I still use the EAF? The EAF doesn't fund support you're already getting through another government program. If your NDIS plan already covers the same workplace support, you may not be eligible..
What if my difficulties aren't about work? I also see Autistic and ADHD adults for challenges outside work, privately or under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (Medicare rebate; a gap applies). EAF funding only covers work-related support.
Get in touch
If you'd like a quote for your EAF application, or you're not sure whether you're eligible, get in touch.
admin@ashbytherapyservices.com.au or JobAccess: 1800 464 800 | jobaccess.gov.au
Information current as of the EAF Guidelines, June 2026. Eligibility and funding are decided by JobAccess, and applications must be approved before support begins. Ashby Therapy Services is an independent provider and is not affiliated with JobAccess or the Australian Government. This post is general information only.